Germany’s China strategy, aims to withhold federal support from research projects at risk of a “knowledge drain” to China and improve awareness of security risks in cooperation with Beijing
Germany’s China strategy was released on July 14, after months of negotiations among coalition partners in the government, resulting in a compromise document.
The plan seeks to “de-risk” links with China while maintaining engagement, aligning with the approach of the European Commission. However, the policy’s implementation details still need to be clarified, leading to confusion among ministries regarding their responsibilities.
Germany’s China strategy: “Knowledge Drain” and security risks
The Germany’s China strategy highlights Germany’s intention to limit federal support for research projects that could lead to a “knowledge drain” to China.
The “knowledge drain” scope is not clearly defined, leaving uncertainties about its applicability to military, surveillance, or economic competitiveness-related research.
The policy revolving Germany’s China strategy is expected to apply primarily to federally funded research rather than all academic work, but further clarification is needed. Ministries, including the Federal Ministry for Education and Research, are reviewing internal procedures for handling dual-use research and knowledge drain issues.
Germany raises concerns over unfair research relations
Germany’s China strategy accuses the Communist regime of hindering access to civil society, media, research institutions, and governmental agencies and increasingly employing censorship and administrative measures that stymie German research in China.
The plan also calls for China to address existing imbalances in accessing major Chinese research institutions. Notably, the strategy warns that China is repurposing even basic research for military purposes through its military-civil fusion policy, aiming to integrate its civilian economy and defence industry.
China’s response and escalating concerns
China’s foreign ministry criticised Germany’s strategy, deeming it “counterproductive” and accusing Germany of protectionism.
The system comes after years of mounting concerns over German research cooperation with China.
Reports indicate that German academics have been involved in dual-use technology collaborations with militarily-linked Chinese institutions. Germany’s domestic intelligence agency previously highlighted China as the “greatest threat in economic and scientific espionage,” leading to heightened scrutiny of research collaboration with China.
The way forward and UK’s intelligence report
The implementation of Germany’s China strategy remains a critical concern, and German scientists seek more apparent export control laws to address sensitive research areas like artificial intelligence and quantum technologies.
Germany aims to revise its export control lists based on new cybersecurity and surveillance technology developments.
Similarly, the UK’s Intelligence and Security Committee of Parliament released a report on Chinese influence, focusing on universities and the technology sector, emphasising the need for tighter export control rules to cover emerging technologies without established military use.
Germany’s new China strategy seeks to mitigate knowledge drain risks and address concerns over unfair research relations and China’s military-civil fusion policy.
The policy’s effectiveness will depend on its implementation details and adherence to export control laws.
